Demographic trends and analysis of dermatological presentations of dengue fever: A study in dengue field Hospital, Lahore during dengue epidemic 2021 amidst COVID 19 pandemic

Authors

Abstract

Objective: To study the demographic trends of dengue fever outbreak and spectrum of skin lesions in dengue fever patients, describe their relationship with type of dengue fever and other coinfection like COVID -19.

Methods

This descriptive study was undertaken at Dengue Field Hospital, Expo Centre, Lahore from August 2021 to November 2021. Patient demographics, clinical profile and mucocutaneous lesions were noted in those patients fulfilling criteria for clinical diagnosis of dengue fever. Those with a strong clinical suspicion of dengue fever or with positive serology were enrolled. Diagnosis of COVID-19 was also confirmed by lab test in suspected coinfection cases. SPSS 18 was used for statistical analysis of clinical data.

Results

 551 cases of confirmed dengue fever were evaluated. Mean age of patients was 27 years. Male were 72% and female 28 %. Mean duration of fever was 5 days. Skin rash was seen in 21% cases. 75% had oral cavity involvement. The main site of oral lesions was buccal mucosa (45%) then soft palate (39%). The most common oral symptom was bitterness of mouth (93%) and then gum bleeding 34%. Lesions in oral cavity included mucosal erythema (89%), lip crusting (57%), candidiasis (45%), palatal vesicles (45%) and herpes simplex (32%). Less common manifestations were angioedema, tongue petechiae and inflamed tonsils.

Conclusion

  Most of mucocutaneous manifestations were secondary disorders mostly seen in earlier phase of illness facilitated by dengue fever related systemic damage, immune suppression or adverse effects of treatment. Health professional should completely examine for ensuring full patients support and treatment.

Keywords:

Demographics, Dengue, Skin lesions, COVID -19

Published

2025/11/21

Issue

Vol. VOLUME 6-issue 4

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